Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. (Matthew 6:12)

Guard your heart – Proverbs 4:23

Pray for them – But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27-28)

Look Back – Remember Past Mistakes

Romans 3:23 – All fall short of the glory of God

Everyone makes mistakes:

Abraham fled to Egypt because of drought (Genesis 12-13)

Moses killed Egyptian (Exodus 2) & struck rock in anger (Numbers 20)

Peter denied Jesus THREE times (Mark 14:66-72)

Today’s Passage: Conception and Birth of Jesus – Matthew 1:18-25

“Verse 21 – “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Nathan Rebukes David – 2 Samuel 12:1-14

David – man after God’s heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22).

David commits adultery & plans murder to cover up sin (2 Samuel 11).

David’s repents – TRUE REPENTANCE – David’s prayer – Psalm 51

Knowing if it is a sin

Sin is going against God and His Word. Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. (1 John 3:4). Know God’s Word. Know His Commands. READ BIBLE & PRAY – REQUIRES AN ACTIVE, INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP

Believers have His Spirit (the Spirit of God) to teach (Ephesians 1:17) and convict (John 16:8)

You must admit sins

To be healed (James 5:16)

To get another chance (Proverbs 28:13)

To be changed (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5)

To share with others

Your sins are forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ

Declare with your mouth and believe in your heart (Romans 10:9)

While you were dead in sin He forgave ALL our sins (Colossians 2:13)

The debt was cancelled – Jesus nailed it to the Cross – paid in full (Colossians 2:14)

He blots out our transgressions (Isaiah 43:25)

He will not even remember our sins – acts as if they never happened – forgives as far as the east to the west (Psalm 103:12)

Confession isn’t necessary for forgiveness – Jesus finished that once for all – but it is important